Multilingual Ouellet has the same theological views as Pope Benedict XVI and National Catholic reporter John Allen said he would be a pontiff who was "respected for his brains, his integrity and spiritual depth."

The Rev Stephen Domelevo, from the Ghana Catholic communication office, told The Guardian: "He speaks many local languages – as well as European languages – and uses jokes and humour to really portray messages to people. He has that human touch."

Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze - 5/1

Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze could become the first black Pope. Credit: Reuters

Cardinal Francis Arinze, 80, was among the favourites to become Pope in 2005 but was beaten to the post by Joseph Ratzinger.

Arinze, who has spent 25 years in the Vatican, is a conservative Catholic and because he is over 80, he cannot vote in the upcoming conclave.

Scola, like Pope Benedict XVI and John Paul II, is a conservative Catholic and called the media's coverage on the Pope's handling of the sex abuse allegations against the church "an iniquitous humiliation."